Citroen Grand C4 Picasso review

The car shares some of its styling features with Citroën's premium DS models

These 18-inch 'Python' alloys are standard on Exclusive+ models

Headlights are usually the dominant light feature on a car, but here it's the LED running lights

There's an impressive amount of pleasing details and a high standard of perceived quality throughout the Citroën

There's good provision of space in the airy-feeling front

Sliding sunvisors eat into headroom a little

Second-row chairs slide and fold independently; headroom and legroom are good

Third-row seats are too small for larger adults

The boot is quite wide but about average for overall load length

A 12-inch colour screen relays your dials; it's prone to reflections in direct sunlight but otherwise works well

On relevant models the controls for the massage functions are almost indecipherable

Wheel-mounted controls allow for easy access to oft-needed functions

Centre-stack cubby allows you to connect an audio device or charge something from the 12-volt outlet without putting it on show

There are myriad storage points and cubbyholes

Additional rear-view mirror allows front occupants to see what's going on in the back

Fold-down tables feature elastic straps for securing bottles and so on

The BlueHDi model completed the standing quarter mile in 17.7sec at 80.9mph

Transmission options include a six-speed manual or automatic. The 1.6 e-HDi 115 models are also offered with a robotised manual

It has a pliant ride, yet body control remains good

The C4 Grand Picasso is quiet and comfortable on the motorway

The BlueHDi model went around our test track faster than an equivalent Chevrolet Orlando

Added plushness and dynamic polish make for a more complete package

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The previous-generation Citroën C4 Picasso offered all of the practicality and airiness that we’ve come to expect from a Citroën MPV. Unfortunately, it was also as devoid of driving flair as we’ve come to expect from a Citroën MPV.

Don’t misunderstand us. We don’t go looking for sportiness or dynamism in a large family car such as this but, as Ford’s S-Max so expertly proved, it is quite possible to make a car that’s as pleasurable to drive as it is to be one of its passengers.

Citroën's first Picasso was the Xsara, which was produced from 1999 to 2010

No matter how many people an MPV is carrying, there will always be someone at the wheel. It does no harm to think of them. The signs this time around, though, are much more positive.

In our experience thus far, the latest C4 Picasso five-seater and this seven-seat Grand Picasso sister model – both of which ride on a new, supposedly lighter and more advanced platform – provide not only excellent surroundings for passengers but are also far more pleasing for the bod behind the wheel.

Will the new Citroën C4 Grand Picasso leave us as equally pleased after a comprehensive Autocar road test? Let’s see.